Hello friends! Sorry for the delay, I was halfway through writing this chapter, and then my chapter disappeared on me! So I had to rewrite it which was super amazing, anyway, here's chapter 7! Enjoy!

'That brat has the gall to show killing intent towards me? A member of the wise council? Ludicrous… He shall pay with his battered body.' Bordeaux thought as he sat in a elevated seating area for the elites that he had all to himself. (No one would want to be in his company anyway.)

Miklotov wasn't interested in Bordeaux's petty escapade to teach the boy a lesson. So he is absent.

The only reason Priscilla Barielle was in the stadiums is because she found the brash knight amusing, and is curious about whether he is worthy to serve her.

Anastasia wanted to support Julius, much to his liking, and Puck had to ease Emilia's motherly worry for her knight from inside his crystal. Crusch and Wilhelm were curious to see how the junior spirit knight matched up to the senior.

After the tense situation in the throne room, the candidates needed some space from another and sat apart in random parts of the stadium.

Finally, the two opponents entered opposite of each other, both walking towards the middle of the large arena.

"I see you found a brilliant excuse to spar with me, Julius." Said knight smirked at the truths.

"I'm sorry if I offended you. It's true I wanted to test you myself, but with the circumstance you were in, I thought it to be the best action in order to appease Lord Bordeaux's rational." He explained, eliciting a nod from Subaru.

"Don't worry about it. It will be a good learning experience for me anyway. So, how do you want to play this? Magic, sword play, or both?" Subaru questioned.

"Lord Bordeaux won't be satisfied with simple sparring, believe it or not, he fought in the demi human war in his prime and was a formidable warrior. I'm sure he would want to see our full strength."

"Why are they just talking?" Emilia muttered, confused.

"They are debating how the rules of the spar should go." Reinhard mentioned as he approached the half elf with Felt in tow.

"Felt, knight Reinhard, it's good to see you again in a casual setting… Although I'd rather it be over a cup of tea and not… This." Emilia said, obviously against the idea of fighting.

"Ah relax big sis! Subaru is not one to be taken lightly. Besides, isn't he like… a total battle junky?" Felt 'reassured'.

"Lady Felt, that is not a nice thing to sa-"

"I wasn't speaking to you!" Felt interrupted.

"Ah, I apologize."

The half elf giggled at their chemistry, raising her spirits a bit.

"As my knight, I know Subaru is strong… I just can't help but worry for him." Felt found this as a opportunity.

"Hooh? What is that supposed to mean? Do you liiike him?" She said close to Emilia's face in a sly voice.

"Of course I like him." Felt was dumbfounded at her bluntness.

"He's a close friend and someone I enjoy being around." Felt looked at Reinhard with a raised brow, whom just shook his head.

"I like Subaru too, Lady Emilia. He is also my close friend." The sword saint admitted.

"My my, what could the sewer rat and half wit be prattling on about?" A pompous voice said, much to Felts dismay.

"Ugh, what are you doing here? You insufferable bitch…" Priscilla just fanned her face at the ex thief's insult.

"Hmm, I just thought it amusing to see your reaction as your precious peasant friend gets beaten at his own game. Being that their both spirit knights. You lot should be grateful to be in the presence of mineselfs glory." Reinhard bowed with a hand to his heart.

"It is good to see you, Lady Barielle. I hope we can get along. He said as a smothered warning.

"Hmph, fine, I shall watch just for mineselfs curiosity." She said, closing her fan sharply, then leaving and sat a few seats away.

"Ugh, can't you just kick her out Reinhard?" Felt asked with a side glare to the baroness.

"I'm terribly sorry, although exiled for reasons unknown, she is a still a princess of Vollochia." He explained.

"Heh, probably got kicked out for being such a wench." Reinhard sighed at his Lady's crude choice of words.

"I really wish you would act more Lady like…"

"Okay, let's do this!" Subaru yelled as he pulled out a ice straight sword Emilia made for him from a portal.

Julius drew his own sword from the hip and both slowly circled the other before moving in and clashing in various blows.

"Why don't they just fight with their magic Reinhard?" Felt asked.

"They are testing each other, it's a normal occurrence in spars." Felt gazed back at the battle in front.

"Hooh? I guess I'm so used to people striking first at full force to kill the other guy, you know, kill or be killed." Reinhard grimaced at her nonchalant opinion of her experience.

"Ah, I see." He said, unsure how to respond.

"For a sword made out of ice, it is quite sturdy." Julius noted as he dodged a swipe to the chest.

"Emilia makes the best weapons."

"Weapons? You have more."

"Yea… You could say that.

Subaru opened a portal beside him and threw his sword, confusing Julius, however sensing a large amount of mana behind him, Julius ducked just in time for the thrown sword to go over his head and back into his opponents hand.

"As I thought, your good at sensing mana, I guess that trick won't work on you then." Subaru said, throwing multiple strikes which Julius easily blocked.

"It was a good try, your magic never ceases to amaze me." Subaru barely deflected a stab from the spirit knights sword.

"You give me too much credit. That's my spirits magic, not mine. All I do is use it." Subaru said, then flipping backwards as his guard was completely broken from a upwards strike.

"He's using the weapons I made him!" Emilia said, excited."

"You made them? That's pretty impressive sis. It's tough." She praised.

"Lady Felt is right, it is not easy to deflect the finest of knights sword." Emilia shook her head to the sword saints comment.

"No. They are still quite weak, but Subaru has his own way to strengthen them." Felt was confused and Reinhard was intrigued.

"He uses Murak to make the sword light, then, before his opponent strikes it, he uses Vita or El-Vita depending on how strong the attack is." She explained, hopefully Subaru wouldn't mind…

Reinhard was amazed.

"To cast magic so quickly… You are truly incredible my friend."

Even while using 'zone', Subaru could barely keep up. Julius was truly an amazing swordsman. In fact, just then Subaru's sword shattered into ice shards, luckily, he closed his eyes in time and jumped back.

'Fuck, bad timing.' He thought as he grabbed another ice sword from a portal.

"I don't get it, your sword is light and nimble, yet, when we clash, it's force is not less than mine. Not to be offensive… Your swordsmanship is unrefined, yet, you always manage to block or deflect at almost impossible angles with incredible accuracy." Julius questioned, making Subaru smirk.

"I take no offense, I know too well my swordsman ship is pretty bad. But I've always been pretty confident in my defense… I think it's time we kick it up a notch, don't you?"

"Agreed." He replied as six quasi spirits, one of each element materialized over his left hand.

"Ul-Gola!"

A huge fire storm whirlwind spun it's way over to his opponent. Subaru's eyes lit up with the power of the seals that Beatrice bestowed him.

Subaru opened a portal and ran through his dome dimension and opened a exit behind Julius, but he was already prepared as he incased Subaru in a pillar of earth.

The finest of knights cut the top to break the spell, but found no one in it. Julius was forced to dodge as hundreds of minya crystals rained on him from above.

However, it wasn't enough to dodge as the area was to large.

"Barrier!" using all his spirits, he constructed some kind of force field that blocked the crystals.

However, Julius was forced to deactivate it and back flip out of the way as a minya pillar erupted from the arena floor, nearly hitting him.

Seeing as how this almost worked, Subaru flicked his hand towards his opponent and pillar after pillar shot towards Julius, but he managed to weave and flip out of the way of the attacks.

This series of offense distracted the finest of knights enough that he failed to see a giant minya pillar about to crash onto him. Seeing the shadow he looked up in surprise.

Subaru used a portal to warp in front of Julius, giving one of two options. Deflect Subaru, or destroy the pillar. Or so the raven haired boy thought.

'Aro, Iku! He called out to his great spirits, which made a powerful gust of wind.

Both Subaru and the giant pillar were blown back. Noticing it was darker around him, the raven haired boy quickly sunk through the ground with a portal before the giant minya pillar could crush him.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm losing ground?" Subaru said, slightly out of breath as he came out of a portal behind Julius.

Julius smirked at the comment.

"It's not about winning or losing, it's about learning from one another. As a senior knight, I do see flaws in your fighting style. But there is no doubt that you are truly skilled and have more potential than I do." Subaru huffed at the compliment.

"Hah, your right. Sorry, I'm a competitive person. Now, don't hold anything back! I want to see the real you." Subaru urged.

"Very well." Julius flicked his sword and imbued all six elements of his spirit into his sword and called upon is spirit 'In' to give him enhanced strength.

'Not only is he good looking, he practically glows now… Tsk.' Subaru thought with envy.

In a flash, Julius was right in front of Subaru, said boy barely had time to raise his ice sword to block, which his defense was instantly broken from his opponents enhanced strength.

Subaru used Murak to gain additional speed to back away. He was getting tired, somehow, he had to end it quickly.

"Why not use the spell you displayed at the graduation duel?" Julius questioned.

"I would, but I'm not very good at controlling it. If you were to be hit, you would certainly die."

"I will trust you on that, I have seen the effects, I heard it's the spell you used to defeat the Bowel Hunter?" Subaru nodded.

"Yea, she underestimated me, I got lucky. Anyway, I'm sure Bordeaux wants to see a result before he keels over and dies from old age." Subaru joked, making his opponent smirk.

"Indeed."

"I wish you wouldn't hover over me Aldebaran. It makes me sick to my stomach." Priscilla jabbed as her knight stood behind her.

"That hurts princess… Anyway, what do you think of him?" He asked, as Priscilla fanned herself.

"Clearly the peasant is losing. But mine generous self would be willing to let in even a mongrel like him to serve my glory." She replied without taking her gaze off the boy.

"Uh, right… I don't think he's the type to just abandon his lady. What do you have planned?"

"Everything is in my grasp Aldebaran, what I want shall fall into mine grace when the time is right."

"Haah, I really don't like that name…"

It didn't matter what Subaru threw at him, his opponent easily dodged deflected or blocked every physical or magic attack with speeds he could barely comprehend, and very gracefully at that.

'This isn't looking too good… I'm actually going to lose at this rate, that wouldn't be a very good look… I guess Ill have to use that.' Subaru thought, breathing heavy.

Using Murak was a good way to make himself faster, however, that also means he could be easily blown away. To counteract this, he would cast Vita to the foot on the ground, allowing him to launch easily, and deactivate it when the weighted foot was ready to take the next step.

Against opponents like lowly Witch Cultist lackeys its easy, but up against a seasoned sword master, it's a different story.

Subaru was essentially splitting his concentration in half between the technique and fighting Julius. It was risky, but he saw no other option.

Julius slowly approached his opponent. He was confident he can best his fellow spirit knight, but he knew Subaru had other things up his sleeves.

Subaru's eyes glowed and in an instant, portals surrounded Julius in a small dome, trapping him. Expecting a sneak attack, Julius closed his eyes and let his spirits enhance his senses so he could instantly locate the raven haired boy when he attacked.

However, this proved to be difficult as the portals surrounding him gave off massive amounts of mana.

Julius eyes snapped open as the two portals in front disappeared, swinging his sword down in anticipation for an attack that never came. He attempted to escape but was once again blocked off. The portals surrounding him then appeared and reappeared randomly, making it impossible to figure where he will come from as well as disorientating his spirits.

'Quite a clever strategy Subaru, as expected of someone acknowledged by the sword saint.' Julius thought.

Shortly after, a hand grabbed his foot and dragged him through a portal that materialized near his standing, in the blink of an eye, he found himself falling 100 feet in the air.

'What?' He thought, surprise gracing his face.

"El-Vita!" He heard from behind.

Julius had no time to think as Subaru punched him in the back with great force into the arena floor below, dust erupted from the impact. Due to his enhanced body, he didn't take much damage, allowing him to quickly recover and retreat out of the dust.

"Truly a brilliant plan, Subaru. Unfortunately, you will have to hit me a lot harder to be effective." He praised, causing Subaru to shake his head.

"You are the one who is incredible, Julius. If I am to make even one mistake… I would be out of the run." He admitted.

"You should really think more of yourself. As a knight of Lagunica, it's important to take pride in the fruits of your training." He suggested, but Subaru broke eye contact with a downcast gaze.

"For me, it may be difficult. But now is not the time for such discussion. Let's continue." Julius nodded at his words.

"Yes, lets."

"Wow! That was incredible!" Felt exclaimed on the edge of her seat. Reinhard nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Lady Emilia ought to be proud of her knight." He said, glancing over to the half elf, whom was watching in earnest.

Crusch watched the fight closely with a critical eye.

"He has quick thinking. But he lacks self control when it comes to his magic… Its almost like, he's just wasting it." She surmised, intriguing the sword demon.

"Lady Crusch, The boy has had very little time in comparison to others to hone his battle prowess since contracting with the great spirit of Yin. On the other hand, he has a better understanding of its power, perhaps it may seem like he's wasting the spirits power, but it's possible that the great spirit is just that capable, and the boy has no need to hold back." Crusch crossed her fingers at the theory.

"Your right, I was to quick to judge. Seeing him now has made me contemplate his life after we found him. Do you think… We should have gone after him?" She asked with uncertainty. Something you do not hear very often from the Valkyrie.

"Hmm, his eyes, were filled with wary and fear… Those were the eyes who had given up trust, they had seen death. Even if we went after, I doubt he would accept. Seeing him now though brings peace of mind. I could tell from his battered body that he had experienced horrendous things. Those demonic bandits deserved more than death." Wilhelm replied, his hand gripping the pommel of his sword.

"Hmm, I see, thank you Wilhelm."

"It is my privilege."

"Perhaps we could have him over for supper at the estate some time."

'What is this technique? He moves so fast but yet his feet are planted even more than normal.' Julius thought as he barely blocked a random minya crystal.

"El-Vita!" Subaru casted, stomping the arena floor. Dust and debris bellowed out around him.

Julius swung his sword, clearing the dust, but Subaru was nowhere to be found. Glancing up, Julius stared in awe as a double bladed ice axe around 50 feet long came barreling down on him.

Subaru was on the other end high in the air, the weapon was comically large in his arms.

"El-Vita!" The oversized ice axe increased in speed due to the imbued weight of the spell.

Julius tried to deflect the axe off to the side but it ended up moving him aside instead and the axe crashed into the floor, pulverizing the dirt and compromising Julius's footing for a moment. Blankets of minya crystals then fell from above, a few hit, but his Yin spirit removed them shortly after.

Subaru was breathing very heavy at this point. Even if Julius attacked right now, he is unsure if he could evade.

"It seems that the only thing holding you back is your inability to hold back. Many of your movements are unnecessary. You were constantly on the attack which is unnecessary in a fight such as this. You have lost this battle of endurance. I suggest you concede."

?: 'Use me…' A hoarse voice echoed to Subaru.

'No.' Subaru replied internally.

?: 'C'mon, what harm could little old me do?' Subaru closed his eyes tight trying to shut out the voice.

'I will never use you ever again.'

?: 'That's sooo cuuute! You make it sound as if you have a choice…'

Subaru was forced out of his conversation with the strange voice as Julius very quickly dashed in front of him.

With no other choice, Subaru opened a portal behind him and retreated a hundred feet away, however, what he wasn't expecting was his opponent to follow him through the portal.

The raven haired knight took a hard blow to the gut from the hilt of the finest knights sword. Subaru instantly fell to his knees as he coughed up saliva on the arena floor, his glowing eyes flickered out, like a flashlight running out of battery.

He felt as if his stomach had been permanently indented as he gasped for air, clutching the impacted area.

"It was a good duel, Subaru. However, surely you can agree it is appropriate to stop here? I'm sure Lord Bordeaux will be convinced, as well as all the others who questioned your capabilities." Julius suggested with an outstretched hand, but his opponent did not respond as his eyes were shadowed.

?:'That's it, give in little Su Su. Just leave it aaall to me.' The eerie voice cooed.

"Reinhard, what is big bro doing? Shouldn't he give up? He's looking pretty rough." The sword saint simply shook his head.

"I cant say for sure, Lady Felt. Julius asked him to surrender, but… Subaru is clearly thinking otherwise. If it were anyone else, I could predict a accurate outcome. But Subaru surprises me time and time again. Who knows what he will do next." Felt nodded at his explanation, Emilia drowned out their conversation as she looked at her knight in concern.

"Please be at ease, Lady Emilia. Julius would never seriously injure Subaru. He has been quite forgiving so far. I have no doubt that he has now proven his capabilities." Reinhard reassured, finally taking her gaze away from her knight.

"It's not that I doubt knight Juukulius… Subaru has a tendency to push himself too far. I'm afraid he will hurt himself." Reinhard nodded in understanding to her words.

"Rest assured, I will be sure to intervene if things go too far." He said with a kind smile.

"Thank you, I will leave it to you then."

Julius felt something… Off about the kneeling spirit knight. He took a few steps back and put up his guard as Subaru smiled like a maniac.

"Amazing… Truly amazing!" Subaru yelled in pure joy as he got back to his feet.

"Out of everyone we have fought, you! are the strongest! Please, entertain us one last time…" He growled.

'We? Us?' Julius was confused at Subaru's drastic change of attitude and his new way of speaking.

Julius swiftly dodged to the side as Subaru threw a ice sword at him. The now changed spirit knight completely changes his fighting style, it is wild, unpredictable and brutal.

Julius dodged left right ducked and back stepped as Subaru was relentless in his punches and kicks.

Julius then used his spirits to erect a barrier to guard his back from the minya crystals that shot from behind. Both Subaru and the crystals pelted the barrier with non stop attacks and punches as cracks slowly started to form.

Subaru then summoned a huge minya crystal to fall down on Julius, forcing the spirit knight to deactivate it and evade from underneath it. Everyone was expecting it to smash into the ground, but it simply sunk as Subaru put a portal to 'catch' it and then opened the portal over Julius to 'throw' it at him again.

Julius dodged once more and quickly realized that Subaru was going for nonstop attacks that constantly followed him around. It was easy enough to get around it, but it meant he had to be constantly moving.

Subaru watched him run around the outskirts of the arena as his opponent eyed him suspiciously. Strangely enough, Subaru felt that using his authority in this way actually drained him mentally so he decided to stop the barrage.

Julius found himself dodging around portals Subaru put in front of him as he charged his opponent.

'Tsk, bastard is quick.' Subaru thought, entering a portal and exiting out behind Julius, spin kicking him with no success.

"What brought on this new fighting style? Its rather… Crude. But not unwelcomed." Julius asked, lazily deflecting his opponents kicks with the flat of his sword. Subaru laughed at the comment.

"I decided to go back to my roots, forget about my training, and just use pure instinct." He replied, grabbing his arm and flinging Julius over his shoulder. However, the knight used the momentum to flip backwards and retreat.

"It's much more effective than before, you should keep it up."

"I plan to!" Subaru yelled, going in for another assault.

"You can't keep usi- Guh!" Julius was interrupted in his teaching, when a kick to his ribs sent him rolling across the ground.

'What? How? How did he move that fast?' Julius had no time to think further as he was once again on the defense, but this time, he was barely keeping up.

Shortly after he found himself dodging left, but Subaru's foot was then instantly planted into his left ribcage. Adding more injury to it.

To his luck, Subaru waited for him to recover this time.

'How is he doing that? It's almost as if… There are missing lapses in my memories. I will be evading for one attack, then I'm instantly hit by a different one. He definitely can't use it in succession. 15, maybe 20 seconds in between?

"You must he wondering why you feel like your missing moments of your life. I'll let you in on a little secret, I ha- guh!" Subaru stopped mid sentence as he clutched his head with a hand.

"Looks like he won't let me have any fun… Well, I guess I can't be to greedy."

"Ul-Gola!" Julius's wind and fire spirit glowed bright as a fire tornado was casted, catching Subaru off guard.

The heat was scorching as he barely evaded away through a portal behind him. However, Subaru did not escape so easily as two pillars of earth smashed into him on the exit.

Luckily, Subaru was able to cast El-Vita in time so he wasn't instantly defeated. Hundreds of minya crystals then pelted the earth pillars, coated them purple and shattered shortly after, releasing the caster.

"Trying to keep me at a distance eh? Smart move." Subaru said in almost a mocking tone with a arrogant smirk.

Julius didn't bother responding as he needed every ounce of concentration to overcome this new technique his opponent is now using.

Julius's spirits heeded his commands and casted earth pillars, fire tornados and wind arcs in quick succession, but the finest of knights was thoroughly confused at his opponent.

'He started off with portals, then used it in conjunction with what looked like a hybrid Murak spell of some sort, and now… Not only can he seemingly teleport with no activation sequence, but his hastened movement is completely different from the hybrid spell he was using. This is… Frustrating to say the least.' He struggled internally.

'Oh Julius, my dear friend… Please, entertain me!'

"Wilhelm?"

"How may I be of service, Lady Crusch." He replied with a curt bow, standing behind her in the stadium seating area.

"Have you noticed anything… Odd, about Knight Natsuki's movements. She questioned, not taking her eyes off the intense fight.

"You are very perceptive lady Crusch. He indeed seems to be using a new technique. Something not even my eyes can keep up with. It's as if, it's instant." He explained.

"What about the sword saint?" Wilhelm grunted and closed his eyes briefly at her question.

"Him? Knight Natsuki is indeed powerful with that technique, but it still stands no chance… Nothing does." He said, hesitating.

"I figured, but you would know more than I."

"I'm flattered."

Julius struggled to maintain his distance. His opponents infinite amount of portals allowed him to evade magic attacks with relative ease now that he has gotten the hang of how he fights at range.

Felt could tell that Reinhard was on edge, ready to intervene at any moment.

"Guh!" Julius grunted as he was pushed back from a instant kick to the gut.

'I can't use it… Not against Subaru. It could kill him.' Julius thought, rejecting the idea of using his ultimate spell, he knew Reinhard would most likely stop him anyway.

"I think it's about time we end this, Julius." Subaru said with a smirk, making Julius put up his guard.

His forearms were then coated in hardened purple yin magic that slowly enveloped his fingers and made sharp claws at the end. Like magic armor.

'That looks dangerous…' Julius thought briefly right before Subaru opened a portal in front of him and began his attack.

This time, because of the gauntlets and gloves, Subaru could deflect the sword much more aggressively.

The raven haired boy barely managed to side duck under a wind blast his opponents wind spirit fired. However, Julius had another one charged and hit him again into the ground. The wind ruffling his hair and uniform.

Julius went to knock him out with the flat of his blade, but Subaru sunk himself into a portal and exited above Julius from above.

Sensing the mana, the spirit knight swung his sword up diagonally. The attack hit, but it was a unexpected outcome.

Subaru caught the sword. The next moment, the sword was no longer In Julius's hand, but flying through the air to the other side of the arena, embedding itself in the stone wall.

The move dazed the spirit knight, how could he lose his own sword? Thrown right from his hand and he didn't even know how.

Julius's spirits yelled at him to wake up from his stupor but it was too late. Subaru grabbed him by the shoulder and did… Nothing. Julius slapped his armored hand away from his shoulder and retreated back.

Looking closer at his opponent, he noticed his grim expression and shaky knees. Blood dripped down from his lip. The gauntlets dematerialized, his knuckles were bloody from smashing Julius's barrier and Subaru was pretty sure some were broken.

With a shaky hand, he lifted his arm in surrender.

"I concede!" Was all he said before walking past Julius with his head hung low. Gasps could be heard from the crowd at the unexpected outcome.

"Wait!" Julius grabbed his arm. Making Subaru grunt in pain.

"Why? You had me beat." He asked, releasing his arm as Subaru faced away from him.

"No, I did not beat you Julius, that was not me… You probably noticed the change, right? I'm not going to tell you the specifics, but please don't be offended, because I will tell no one… Not ever… You now know more about my true self than anyone else. I'm just glad I was able to gain control before…" Julius looked at his friends back with empathy.

"I'm not going to pretend I understand what you mean by that, but know that there are people who will be happy to know more about the 'real you'." He said with a kind smile as his water spirit healed his hands.

Subaru's breath was shaky, clearly emotionally disturbed.

"That's just the thing Julius… I really don't think they will… Thank you for helping me today, it was a good fight." He said, limping away into a portal.

The water spirit then joined its comrades in its contractors palm.

'Whatever it is that is haunting you so… I hope you will find solace.'

Reinhard felt terrible at eavesdropping on their conversation. But it was hard not to notice the overwhelming amount of negative emotion his closest friend emitted.

"Hmph, useless peasant. Couldn't even finish the job. Almost makes mineself want to vomit. But in my glorious grace I shall give him another chance… Al."

"Yes princess?" He asked with clear hesitation.

"Find the peasant." Al got up from his seat behind her, following the order.

"Haa, sorry about this bro." He whispered, walking away.

Reinhard trusted Subaru enough not to go along with the baroness. Even if he did, he would respect his choice. He would like nothing more than to find his friend and comfort him, but… His gut told him that Subaru needed to be alone right now.

"Reinhard." Emilia questioned, worry evident on her face.

"Do you know where Subaru would have went?" Reinhard shook his head.

"I'm terribly sorry, Lady Emilia. I haven't a clue. Subaru will return to you shortly, I know he will. Perhaps you should stay somewhere he knows to find you? I know of a few places. I could be a stand in for him while he is recuperating. If you would have me of course." He suggested with a curt bow.

"That sounds reasonable. Please lead the way." She said with a polite smile.

As the two walked past Felt, the ex thief noticed the railing that the sword saint grabbed on earlier was crushed underneath his grip.

"The hell was his problem?"

Subaru limped down the mostly empty hallways of the castle.

'Why the fuck didn't I ever place a portal near the private bathrooms!?' He thought, aggravated.

Finally reaching it, he quickly closed the door and locked it. He went over to the sink and splashed his face, drying it off with a soft towel.

Looking up in the mirror, he stepped back, spooked by his own reflection. For it was not himself, but a man identical, that featured a maniacal smile and eyes that looked into hell itself. Subaru calmed himself and glared at his 'reflection.'

"Your not real…" The reflection pouted and pretended to he hurt.

?: "How could you be so cruel!? Even after I helped you out in the fight today? Although you fucked it up…" He finished, disappointed.

"You were about to kill Julius!" Subaru yelled, almost touching his nose to the mirror.

? "Hooh, I thought I wasn't real? If that's your view… Doesn't that mean, you almost killed Julius?" The reflection laughed madly.

"Shut up…" Subaru whispered.

?: "Wouldn't that mean, you tried to murder your frie-" The reflection was interrupted as Subaru let out a yell and smashed the mirror with his fist. Blood flowed down the broken shards before slowly removing his hand.

"Sorry Julius… Right after you healed it too." He muttered.

Then, suddenly, from one of the larger broken shards he saw the reflection again.

?: "How arrogant of you to think that mystic bitch could seal me away forever? I am you, and you are me. All she did was a little mind trick, she deceived us in order to get our help, just like how those around us now will do the same!... Remember, I will always be watching. I will never betray you, but those people will. Count on it." He finished in a whispy tone.

"Fucking ass hole." Subaru muttered before exiting the bathroom.

His gaze was downcast and troubled as he wrapped the white towel around his bleeding hand.

"Hey bro!"

Subaru turned his head to find the helmeted knight from the selection approach.

"Ah, Al, was it?" He questioned.

"Yep, ya got me. Anyways, what a fight! Haha! I never would have imagined such power from someone like you!" He said, patting his shoulder.

"Uh, thanks?" Subaru said, unsure if it was a compliment or insult.

"I came looking for ya because someone really wants to meet you. And if I don't bring you, I might just lose my other arm." He said nonchalant. Making Subaru sweat drop.

"That sounds pretty bad… I guess I'll go for your sake, since you seem like such a… Nice guy." He hesitated.

"Aww, thanks bro! Follow me!"

As Subaru limped behind the one armed knight, the hallways slowly started filling up again with knights, mages and nobles alike.

"This way." He directed, turning into a corridor away from everyone in the main hallways.

Subaru walked into a lounging room made for tea and saw Priscilla Barielle herself seated on a couch, fanning herself.

"What took you so long? Mineself was about to die of boredom you imbecile. Bring the peasant here." She demanded putting away her fan in between her chest.

"Sit here peasant." She said, patting the spot next to her, making the raven haired boy raise a brow.

Looking at his sleeves full of blood, he took off his jacket and shawl, then rested them on a chair close by and sat down next to the sun princess.

"So, what could this peasant possibly do for the great Priscilla Barielle?" He said sarcastically. However this didn't faze her, it actually made her smile in amusement.

"Mineself finds you to be… Adequate. Serve me. It is the greatest honor a peasant like you could possibly come across." Subaru chuckled at her proposal.

"And why would I do that? Do you take me for a masochist? Do tell, what could you possibly offer me that Roswald does not have?" This time, the sun princess frowned.

"Aldebaran, leave us." She ordered, which he of course obeyed.

"You know I don't like that name…" He muttered.

Before Subaru could react, Priscilla took the fan out of her bosom and smacked his temple with surprising force, causing him to fall over, but Priscilla caught him.

"Guh, what the hel-hmph!" Subaru was muffled as she pulled his head into her chest.

He resisted, but he knew he couldn't harm a candidate, however that's not the reason he stopped resisting.

It was… warm. Her perfume was intoxicating, and the way she stroked his hair made his troubles seem to disappear. Giving in, he melted into her arms, like a man who has never felt the warmth of another in their whole life. Although it was untrue, to Subaru, it sometimes felt that way.

"One month, Serve me for one month, and I will show you the attention you deserve, I shall graciously allow you to rest upon my chest whenever you feel, just like this. I will polish you into the finest gem." She whispered, sending chills down his spine.

"I need to get back to Emi-"

"Shhh, It's okay. Rest." Subaru didn't know what she did, but he suddenly felt abnormally tired, and he had a inkling feeling it had something to do with that fan she carried around.

"I…I think I will…"

"How do you know exactly where he is when you just said you didn't know where he could be?" Felt questioned as she and Emilia followed the sword saint through castle hallways, people making way for them.

"I had not known, until I sensed his presence a few minutes ago." Felt was obviously aggravated at his answer.

"Why the hell didn't you do that to begin with!?" She yelled, gaining even more attention.

"I apologize, it seemed to me that Subaru needed to be alone. I was trying to be considerate." Felt huffed at his excuse.

"Whatever, just lead the way."

"Yes Lady Felt." Emilia smiled at their strange chemistry.

The half elf wasn't angry with the sword saint, if Subaru needed distance than she was okay with giving it to him. Although the sword saint didn't necessarily lie, it was still deceitful as he could have gone out of his way to sense him earlier, however he did that… When she asked how he senses Subaru, he deflects her question, making it very clear he doesn't want to answer.

Although this troubles her, it's also nice that Subaru has a friend that's willing to go to such lengths for him.

"Here we are." He said, leading them into the lounge room.

The sight was surprising to say the least, definitely not what they were expecting. Reinhard grabbed his Lady as she tried to charge at the sun princess.

"What the hell did you do to big bro!? Let go of him you bitch!" She yelled as Priscilla continued to stroke his hair, his head still resting on her bosom.

"I did nothing. The peasant was so enthralled with mine beauty, he couldn't help but faint into mine arms. Such a pathetic being, truly." She said, messing with her.

"Grr, give him back!" Reinhard sighed softly at his Ladies outbursts.

Meanwhile Emilia stared at her knight. He looked so… Peaceful, like a baby. Determined to get him back, she confronted the sun princess.

"He's my knight, please return him to me." Priscilla smiled and raised a brow.

"And what could a half wit possibly offer this peasant? Are you even capable of such things? He enjoyed it so much." She said, pressing him further in her chest and kissing his forehead.

"W-What? I demand you give him back this instant!" She yelled, the room cooling down, tension rising by the second.

"Mineself cannot do that, the peasant promised to serve me for one month before choosing to abandon his incompetent… 'Lady'." She said, irking Emilia.

"It is not good to lie about such serious matters, Lady Barielle." Priscilla rolled her eyes at the sword saint.

"Tsk, your no fun." She said tossing him to Reinhard, whom easily catches the spirit knight.

Before Felt could curse her out again, Al entered the lounge.

"Hey princess, we should go before it gets too crazy out there."

"Hmm, I suppose… Keep the peasant prim for me half wit. He will end up in mine service soon. Till next time, sword saint, gutter rat." Priscilla took her leave after insulting Felt, much to the sun princesses amusement.

"Gah! What a bitch!" Reinhard shook his head at Felts choice of words.

"I'd really wish you'd pi-"

"Shut up!"

"…I apologize."

"I'm back…" Subaru muttered as he stared at the millions of shimmery cascading threads.

Getting to his feet he recollected what had happened before he fell asleep.

'Ah… Well that's embarrassing. Then again I was technically assaulted… By a woman… Wielding a fan… Ugh. She's never going to let me live that one down. Hopefully she won't tell anyone.' He thought, pinching his nose.

Getting to his feet, ripples echoed underneath the glass floor from his steps.

"This place is beautiful as always."

As usual, a singular thread lowered down towards his chest level, tempting him to grab hold of it.

"Haah whatever, might as well." He sighed, lazily grasping the thread.

Subaru was instantly put right into the action. He was riding at high speeds on a black ground dragon with Rem grasping him… Rather tightly. There was a dense fog blocking out the sun, making it hard to see, noises of men yelling and magic being fired rung in his ears.

A deep wail bellowed behind him, causing him to look back. Subaru's heart sank in shock. It was the white whale, chasing only him for some reason.

It drug it's belly on the ground as it opened it's jaws wide, showing off large teeth that could crush him in an instant.

Just before the whale could reach, Subaru caught a glimpse of one Wilhelm van Astrea, jump onto its head and cut his sword into it's flesh with a mighty war cry.

'What in the absolute fuck is going on?' The spectating Subaru thought, sitting back and watching the show.

The whale let out cries of pain as it went back into the sky, magic of different kinds being fired in quick succession, although it didn't seem to be doing much for some reason.

Looking back towards Flugels tree, Rem and himself approached the Valkyrie who swung razor sharp blades of wind at the retreating whale with her sword.

Once again, he really wished he could hear what they were saying, even reading lips seemed to be impossible for some reason.

One thing was clear, they teamed up to hunt the whale. But where was Emilia? Or Roswald? He would have been an incredible asset to the fight. We're they not on good terms in this timeline? Did he even serve Emilia? Perhaps he is even in the Crusch camp. After all, he never saw Emilia previously in these strange multiverses.

Subaru then opened his pocket and flipped open his phone. 4:49 pm.

'It would have been more helpful if the dream started at the beginning of the battle… These multiverses seemed to be somewhat connected to mine. Same people, same places and names etc. This information could come in handy. Hhm, earlier, I did see many carriages containing ammunition for ballista. Could Crusch be the one who is hunting the whale? Ugh, the time of all these happenings are so jumbled up it's hard to even piece this shit together. What could this version of me be up to?' Subaru theorized internally.

Before he could continue watching. Everything started to warp and blur as he slowly fluttered open his eyes to reality.

Subaru rubbed his face as he sat on the edge of the bed. A few moments later a knock was heard on the door.

"Come in."

"Pardon the intrusion, Knight Natsuki. I have come to give you your clean uniform and to inform you that supper will be held shortly." The elderly maid Carol said politely.

"Hello Carol. Supper? How long did I rest!?"

"Just a few hours sir." She informed.

"Ah, uhm, dismissed then? I guess?" He said awkwardly, unsure of the etiquette used for maids, making Carol smirk in amusement.

"Of course Knight Natsuki, please make haste as Supper is nearly done." She said, finishing with a curt bow before leaving.

Looking down he noticed someone had changed him into silky white pajamas.

"Great, they must have seen… What I look like, my scars... Hopefully they weren't too mortified." Subaru muttered as he dressed in his uniform, finishing it by hanging the shawl over his left shoulder and clasping it on.

'I'm sure Heinkel is hiding away or at the bar… Hopefully.' It was a terrible thing to think, but the man was an ass hole.

Subaru quickly made his hair at the sink and made his way to the dining room where the sword saint, Felt and Emilia wait for him, Puck was also hiding behind her hair.

"I hope I'm not late." He said, sitting next to Emilia, Reinhard shook his head at his friends question.

"No, your right on time." As if on cue, the servants brought in platters of mouth watering steak with caramel onions on top and a side of cheesy spinach sautéed in butter. A fruit platter was also served as a side with wine and water for drink.

"That looks amazing." He said, thanking the servant as the food was put in front of him.

Forks and knives clanked as the surprisingly silent dinner session went on.

"Sooo." Subaru started.

"How did I end up here?" He asked, hoping it wasn't going to be what he thought, after all, Emilia was being awfully quiet.

"Well-" Reinhard started.

"How could you possibly let yourself be wooed so easily?! Especially by that ugly self righteous bitch!?" Felt interjected with enthusiasm.

Both Subaru and Reinhard were surprised at her sudden outburst of genuine anger. Her hatred for Priscilla was truly deep.

The raven knight looked over to his Lady for help but she just looked away with a pout.

'Guess I'm on my own…' He thought with a sigh.

"So you heard about that huh… Did she tell you?" Felt gave him a dead pan face.

"Did she tell us?.. Big bro we saw it! We saw you drooling all over her huge ugly tits!" Subaru covered his face to hide his burning cheeks, whilst Reinhard smiled awkwardly.

Carol then came to the rescue and pulled on the ex thief's ear.

"Ow! Ow! Stop, I get it I'm sorry!" She yelled, pleading to be released.

"Haa, young lady. You really are going to be a tough one. I will have to give you extra thorough lessons tomorrow." She said with a glare, making Felt sit back in her chair.

"Guh… Fine."

After a few moments the servants took the plates and Subaru finally calmed himself down.

"Okay, for one thing, I was assaulted. So I'm a victim." He excused, crossing his arms and nodding, but Felt didn't look too convinced.

"You're telling me… One of the top 10 strongest knights in Lagunica, got overpowered by a bimbo with a fan? Big bro, I want to believe you but… You're making it kinda hard." She admitted with a frown.

"Even without my divine protection. I can tell you speak truth, Subaru. He is not lying Lady Felt."

"Grr, just call me Felt already you lug head."

"My apologies, Felt." He said with a small bow, to which she rolled her eyes.

"Sorry for doubting you bro, what did she want with you anyway?" Subaru leaned back in his chair with a sigh.

"She wanted me to be her servant. I told her I'm not into S and then she hit me and made me fall asleep. She seems to think everything will go her way apparently."

"What the hel- heck is S ?" Felt corrected herself.

"Ah, I told her I'm not a masochist." This made the thief laugh heartily.

"Oh man! I wish I was there to see her face!"

"Well, I thought it would get a reaction too, but she seemed to find it funny, which kinda ruined it. But oh well, I'm glad she doesn't hate me at least. Unlike some people who go out of their way to make enemies." He jabbed, staring at the blond.

"Geh, She started it…" Felt muttered. Making Reinhard chuckle, this elicited her to glare daggers at the sword saint.

'Emilia is being strangely quiet… Ah…' Subaru came to a conclusion.

"How's Emilia doing? Puck…" Subaru said in a passive aggressive tone. Which did not escape the great spirit.

"Why she is doing just dandy. Although she's keeping me up quite late because of a certain someone…" Emilia gasped at him.

"Puck… That… That's not true." She muttered meekly.

"It's a good thing I'm around for when you abandon my daughter for some woman you met today. Phew, what a womanizer."

Emilia couldn't believe the malicious way her father talked to Subaru, just because she was a bit disappointed at what he had let Priscilla do with him. Now she realizes it is just petty thinking and Puck is blowing it out of proportion.

Reinhard and Felt were stunned at the comments of the great spirit too. To be suddenly so agitated after being so cute just prior to when Subaru joined them for dinner when he introduced himself.

However, the raven knight was not one bit surprised. Every interaction he had with Puck made him like him less.

"You think I would abandon Emilia because I let my guard down? I was exhausted! How was I to know she would try and steal me away?!" He yelled, his face showing clear signs of anger.

"Hooh? You can't see something so simple? Maybe you shouldn't be guarding my daughter then." He jabbed, trying to rile the boy up.

'It's unfair… My mind is being torn to shreds, my past has come back to haunt me, and the moment I get some kind of peace… Even from an unlikely source, I get scorned? Aaahh… I'm tired.'

Reinhard was overwhelmed by the negative emotions that plumed from his friend.

'What is it that haunts him so much? To feel this amount of trauma. Subaru… What happened to you my friend?' The sword saint thought.

Subaru's gaze went downcast, shadowing his eyes. Clenching his fist so hard his knuckles went white.

"I'm going to leave that decision up to Emilia… If she finds me unworthy to protect her, then so be it. I will find something else to use my skill sets for. But I leave this decision in Emilia's hands, not yours." Puck looked at the boy in disdain.

Emilia held both of them to her heart dearly. So when they fought like this over her, she felt it so hard to intervene. She hated that part of herself, the part that couldn't decide in the heat of the moment.

"Reinhard."

"Yes, Subaru?"

"Tell the chef dinner was exquisite. I'm tired, I'm going to bed. Good night." He left quickly, his gaze never leaving the floor.

"Whelp, guess we can agree on that. Good night Lia." Puck said nonchalant, as if he didn't just make shit really awkward. The half elf nodded with a wary smile as the spirit disappeared in his crystal.

"Reinhard." Felt said, her tone apprehensive.

"Do you think big bro is okay?" The red head shook his head.

"Subaru is a enigma to me… Just as I think I am getting closer. A new layer of depth I can't comprehend is always there. I just wish, he would open up to us…"

"He's like that with me too." Emilia informed, making the sword saint frown.

"I see."

"The only person he shares things with is his great spirit Beatrice. But even then, he surely still hides things… I just don't understand. Why hide yourself away and struggle all alone." Emilia whispered.

"I don't know why either, Lady Emilia. I just hope one day, he let's us in."

Subaru splashed water on his face as his reflection spoke to him once more.

?: "Don't you see it? It's already starting! They are doubting you… Just give in. Leave them be, they aren't good enough for us!" He yelled as Subaru stared at the draining water.

"Shut the fuck up. Your going to talk shit just because some dumb ass cat is causing trouble again? He's always done that… Shut up and go to sleep you dick." He growled, finally looking at the maniac reflection.

?: "Guh! I'm so hurt! Keke! Remember, I'm just a thought away, my friend. Believe it or not, I'm actually your ally. He convinced, feigning offense.

"You're nothing but trouble. I'm going to bed, now shut up and let me sleep."

?: "Okay su su! Gooood niiiight!" Subaru rolled his eyes at the childish tone his reflection used.

Changing out of his uniform into his pajamas, he rolled under the covers and attempted to sleep.

"This… Could be a rough night."

A/N

There ya go! Who could this mysterious reflection be? How does it implement in Subaru's past? What are you're theories?

Anyway, hope you enjoyed, and feel free to leave a review or comment any ideas you have for the story! I love to hear them. Have a good day my friends!